A mixed season for Men's Rugby at Windsor, with a disappointing relegation for the 1st team but an inspiring promotion for the DXV and a cup win for the 3rd XV.

The 1st team were back in Regional 2 Thames. level 6. We had experienced this league 2 seasons prior following our previous promotion, and it proved to be as tough and demanding as before. We actually were better than 2 years ago, winning more games and getting closer in some others. But ultimately we were demoted again following a playoff loss to London Irish. It is notable that we managed to beat London Irish home and away during the regular season but for the play off they had recruited with the aim of avoiding relegation and they were a different and much better side.

So we are back in Counties 1 for the 26/27 season. But we have retained Head Coach Andy Symons and promoted Colin Thomson to player Coach and enter the season with confidence.

The 2nd XV ( Development XV) played in Counties 3 BBO South and had a successful season winning 15 of their 18 games and scoring over 600 points. Coached by Lawrence Mockridge they were a far more consistent side in terms of availability and performance from the past few years and that showed in their results.

Next year is a different kettle of fish. We are up to level 8 and playing the likes of Maidenhead ,High Wycombe and Marlow 2nds and Slough 1st team.

We will need a stronger and more committed team. Lawrence has left us replaced by Nick Scott who we hope he will ensure we maintain our position in this league.

The 3rd XV had a tough year. Winners of the league last year but not always able to field a team this year. Other teams had the same problem so the season was a bit stop and start, we played some games with a makeshift side. Ended up 5th but that enabled us to enter the Counties 4 Shield comp, which we ended up winning by beating Swindon College Old Boys in the final.

This coming year we expect more of the same. We desperately want to maintain 3 sides, and for some games we do that easily with 20 odd available. Other weeks it's only half a dozen and we are scrambling about.

So lots to be proud about and lots to look forward to. Namely 1st team going back up, 2nds staying up, 3rds fulfilling (most of) their fixtures and giving a few old boys and Colts a run out.

Andrew Bailes
Chair of Senior Rugby